Early-Season Skiing: Sunday River, Maine

Why Go: With the most extensive snowmaking system in the East, including 300 new guns, Sunday River has opened on Halloween five out of the past six years, affording skiers and riders the chance to slide on snow surrounded by Maine’s beautiful fall foliage. In 2011, opening-day visitors were treated to 8 inches of fresh powder on T2 trail, which is always the first to open, followed by Locke and Barker mountains.

Deals: Through Oct. 14, a season pass good at Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain starts at just $459. Plus, Sunday River offers “Lowest Price Guarantee” ski-and-stay vacation packages through Oct. 15 that include lodging, lift tickets and an adult ski/ride lesson.

Don’t Miss: Check out the opening-day scene/costume party in the Barker Lodge parking lot, and look for the Tin Mountain Round Up on Nov. 23 and 24, when donations of canned goods will score you a discounted lift ticket.